Orange mayor Reg Kidd said decentralisation and improved water access would be key points he would focus on during the Australian Local Government Association's 25^th National General Assembly meeting.

He said there were government departments primarily concerned with regional issues that would be better situated in regional areas.

Cr Kidd said that included various planning and infrastructure departments.

It follows the opening of the Regional Investment Corporation which moved from Canberra to Orange in February.

He said the relocation of the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority from Canberra to Armidale was an example of what could happen.

"The philosophy of it I agree with. There is a major university there. [There are] good linkages with the university and the pathways from school," he said.

"With decentralisation one of the major parties in that has to be the federal government."

He said some departments could provide major benefits to regional areas.

"They do generate good employment outcomes," he said.

Cr Kidd said water security was a vital issue for Orange and for other regional areas.

He said pipelines needed to be extended and provided between towns to ensure water security.

Other topics to be discussed at the conference, to be attended by about 900 delegates from across Australia, include climate change, recycling, drought and preparing for more electric vehicles.

Housing affordability challenges, the future of Airbnb, infrastructure and population and reducing community harm from drug and alcohol abuse will also be discussed.

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